Fiji

It's not supposed to rain in paradise, but even in a place like Fiji those famous blue skies can sometimes be overcast and grey. While the rainfall may dull the island nation's famed natural beauty, it can't do anything to dampen the welcoming spirit of its people.

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Government of Canada Travel Advisory

Last Updated: August 30, 2016 10:56 EST1. RECENT UPDATESThe Health tab was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)2. ADVISORIESFiji - Exercise normal security precautionsThere is no nationwide advisory in effect for Fiji. Exercise normal security precautions.Travel Health Notice - Zika virusThe Public Health Agency of Canada has issued a Travel Health Notice for the Global Update: Zika virus infection recommending that Canadians practice special health precautions while travelling in affected countries. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to Fiji. See Health for more information.3. SECURITYCrimePetty crime, such as theft from hotel rooms and purse snatching, is common. Theft and assault, including armed and sexual assault, occur on occasion. Be particularly vigilant at night in urban areas. Do not show signs of affluence, and be cautious when exchanging money at hotels or withdrawing money from automated banking machines or banks. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times.TransportationRoad conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country. Roads are adequate in major cities but poor in rural areas. Stay on main roads; avoid secondary roads. Roadside assistance is not widely available. Avoid driving outside of major cities after dark. Road hazards may include pedestrians, domestic or wild animals, lack of signage and poor lighting. Vehicles are not generally well-maintained. Traffic drives on the left.Use taxis and minibuses with yellow registration plates, which denote compliance with Land Transport Authority regulations. Unlicensed minibuses may not be insured. Do not share taxis with strangers.Travel by boat or ferries on coastal waters and inter-island trips should be undertaken only with a reputable tour company. If you are contemplating sea journeys, contact the Meteorological Office (tel.: 23401) or consult the Fiji Meteorological Service for weather reports.Air travelThe Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines' compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.General safety informationDo not walk alone after dark; avoid large gatherings, demonstrations of any size and military installations and personnel; and follow the advice of local authorities.Do not hike alone; the terrain can be hazardous. Consult local guides before setting out, and stay on marked paths.Riptides can be dangerous along the reefs and river estuaries. Seek local advice, as several drownings have occurred. If you participate in water-based activities, use a reputable company and ensure that its equipment meets safety requirements.4. ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTSIt is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Fijian authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the High Commission for the Republic of the Fiji Islands or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.PassportCanadians must present a passport to visit Fiji, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.VisasTourist visas are issued upon arrival for stays of up to four months.Tourist visa: RequiredBusiness visa: RequiredWork visa: RequiredImportant requirementsAn onward or return ticket is required to visit Fiji.Travel documentationA renewal or replacement of a Canadian passport in Fiji can take several weeks. Questions concerning Canadian immigration papers must be sent to the Consulate General of Canada in Sydney, Australia, which also takes several weeks. Landed immigrants should visit a Canadian immigration office prior to travelling to ensure that their papers are verified, and should always travel with original documents.Children and travelChildren need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.Yellow feverSee Health to obtain information on this country's vaccination requirements.5. HEALTHMedical services and facilitiesMedical services and facilitiesGood medical services and facilities are limited in availability. Quality of care varies greatly throughout the country. Medical services and facilities are adequate in major cities, but not in more remote areas. Avoid older medical clinics, as they often lack basic drugs and equipment and have poor hygiene standards. Private hospitals and clinics located in cities are often better staffed and equipped than public or rural facilities. Medical evacuation may be necessary in the case of serious injury or illness.There are two decompression chambers in Suva, but many popular diving sites are located away from Suva. Divers visiting Fiji should buy travel insurance that includes decompression and medical evacuation services.6. LAWS AND CULTUREYou are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.LawsPenalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or heavy finesPossession of currency equivalent to more than FJ$10,000 must be declared upon entering or exiting the country.There are harsh penalties for engaging in sexual acts with a minor. In addition, Canadians may be prosecuted at home for sexually exploiting children while abroad. Consult our publication entitled Child Sex Tourism: It's a Crime for more information.Topless bathing and nudity in public is forbidden.There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol.An International Driving Permit is recommended.CultureDress conservatively outside tourist areas to avoid offending local sensitivities.Although the laws of Fiji do not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex, homosexuality is not socially tolerated in rural areas.Dual citizenshipDual citizenship is legally recognized in Fiji. However, Canadian officials may be limited in their ability to provide you with consular services if local authorities consider you a Fijian citizen. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present a Fijian passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.MoneyThe currency is the Fijian dollar (FJD). Major credit cards are accepted by most hotels, restaurants and shops. Automated banking machines are widely available in main centres and some rural areas.7. DISASTERS AND CLIMATEFiji is located in an active seismic zone and is prone to earthquakes. Tsunamis may occur after a strong earthquake and can travel long distances across the Pacific.The rainy (or monsoon) and typhoon seasons in the South Pacific are from November to April. Severe storms can cause flooding and landslides, which result in significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure, and hamper the provision of essential services. Keep informed of regional weather forecasts, avoid disaster areas and follow the advice of local authorities.Unusually heavy rainfall in the early days of April, 2016, may cause disruptions to transportation, communications, emergency and medical care, as well as water and food supplies, particularly in Nadi and Lautoka, to the west of Vitu Levu. A state of emergency is in effect across the country following Tropical Cyclone Winston, which recently swept through the main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. If you reside or are travelling to the affected areas, you should monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the instructions of local authorities. Canadians seeking emergency consular assistance in the area should contact the High Commission of Canada in Wellington, New Zealand or the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.See Typhoons and monsoons for more information.

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